By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.

Academica AC eyeing US Open Cup run

Juan Flores of Academica AC dribbles the ball past a Fresno FC defender during their match from February (Photo contributed by Brittney Virgo).

Eddie Ruiz

Updated:
April 2, 2019, 8:32 p.m.

Turlock based pro soccer team Academica AC is on the verge
of its most successful US Open Cup qualifying tournament ever.

They are off to a 3-0 start and are now one victory away
from advancing into the eight round US Open Cup Tournament which is slated to
run from May till August.

“If we win this game we are in the actual tournament,” said
Academica President Simon Bettencourt. “So far this has been the most
successful run in the US Open Cup that we have had after losing in the second round
last year.”

Academica’s Marco Torralva looks to get past a defender during their exhibition match with Fresno FC back on Feb. 12. (Photo contributed by Brittney Virgo).

“Our success in this competition comes down to the quality
of the players that we have in our club,” said Academica head coach Sergio
Sousa. “Simply put, we are a better team. Player for player, we have made big
steps forward. Collectively as a team, the growth is even more apparent. Our
training sessions are intense and extremely competitive. Every day we are
improving in our system of play.”

The system of play currently has them with a record of 2-2
in the National Premier Soccer League. Their most recent game came against the
East Bay Stompers where they won, 4-3, in the weekend matchup.

“The chemistry between one another improves and that allows
us to go compete at a higher level,” said Sousa. “In tournaments like the US
Open Cup, you can come across teams that you may not know much about, from
places that aren't exactly down the road. You may have never seen the team play
before and your first look at them will be at kickoff. The nature of it is that
we have to go out be the best versions of ourselves when it comes to these
games.”

Manuel Villegas of Academica AC sprints his way into the attacking third in their friendly game against Fresno FC back on Feb. 12 (Photo contributed by Brittney Virgo).

So far, this has led to them winning three straight games.

“Credit to the Valley,” said Sousa. “We have players in our
squad from Sacramento down to Bakersfield and they all come together to train
and compete throughout the week. This weekend, we look again to be the best
version of ourselves. With the support of the Valley fans behind us, I'm
confident that we can make it four straight wins and qualify for the
tournament.”

Academica played their first round of qualifying back on
Sept. 22, against Davis Legacy where they won 4-1 from home. In that game,
Ramiro Cejas notched a pair of goals while Adrian Plascencia and David Esparza
each added a score.

Following their first-round win, Academica returned on Oct.
20 to defeat Contra Costa FC at home in a 3-2 final after being up 3-0. Manuel
Villegas notched two goals and Gerardo Cazares added the other.

Up 2-0 in the qualifiers, Academica then returned to action
for their third qualifying game against Oakland Stompers on Jan. 5. In that
game, Ceja notched the only goal as they went on to win it, 1-0.

“I am happy with our current playing form. I cannot remember
a recent game where I thought to myself, ‘We are not playing well.’ The guys
work hard for each other and are very unified in their play. It's been fun,” said
Sousa. “Overall, I am proud of what we have been able to get going here with
AC. We've created a team that is competitive with teams from a higher level.
People are wanting to come to Turlock to play or watch the soccer that we are
playing, and that means a lot to me.”

Academica will kick off play in the fourth round of the US
Open Cup qualifiers from home as they host International Portland Select FC for
the first time ever at 7 p.m. Saturday.